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Initiation of Breastfeeding by the Breast Crawl

The breast crawl is a technique for initiating breastfeeding advocated by UNICEF. It is recommended that all babies should breastfeed within 1/2 hour of birth, which in my experience helps tremendously with latching on and other issues. The breast crawl involves placing the baby on the mother’s chest with the breasts exposed. The baby will then seek out the breast on its own. My midwives used this technique with my first child, and it worked very well. My second child had health issues, so his breastfeeding was delayed somewhat, and he did struggle with latching on. It took him three days to learn to breastfeed, but we never gave up and never used formula. Our pediatrician and midwives were very supportive and set minimum standards about how much breastfeeding was necessary each day until my son got the hang of it. The breast crawl uses the baby’s natural motivation and inclinations to nurse, and the video should be shared with doctors, midwives, doulas, and expectant mothers around the world. Pay special attention to the cheek to cheek method.

Comments

What a wonderful movie. I’ve sent it to several of my friends. I only wish I had learned of this sooner. My youngest little one is the only one to nurse at less than three hours old (she was 35 minutes old) and the only one to nurse for more than four months. We are now working on 14 months. You can find little milestone awards at http://www.geocities.com/kellysb/graphics/bf-milestones.html to post on your blog or website.